Mike Lee Doesn't Want To Be Filmed

This has left me without words. From former US Senate candidate Pete Ashdown:

Seeing Mike Lee was going to do a “Meet & Greet” in Salt Lake City today, I went to see for myself what this Republican candidate for U.S. Senate was all about. I asked him several questions and got answers that I agreed and disagreed with. I would tell you more about our discussion of his endorsers, the 4th & 14th amendments, his desire for term limits but his repeated votes for Hatch and Bennett, and why our government is a “tyranny” in spite of the supremacy clause of the Constitution, but unfortunately his campaign wouldn’t allow me to record anything.

And, of course, Pete got a recording of them telling him why they don't want to be recorded. The fun begins at the 3 minute mark:



Now, anyone in that meeting can say that Mike Lee said in the meeting that he likes to eat babies. There's no proof that he did or didn't say that. Chances are, he didn't say anything about eating babies. But, that rumor gets started. And it becomes a he said/she said debate, with nobody having proof.

Now, if the person who started that rumor was allowed to film the event, then Mike Lee would have to say "I like to eat babies" for that rumor to spread. Mike Lee can say "It was edited. I said not to believe people who say that I like to eat babies." Now, if there was someone else recording the event who is a Mike Lee supporter (or staffer or intern), they can post the full video on Youtube as proof that the "I like to eat babies" quote was taken out of context.

And, there's a flip side. Let's say Joe Public, whether he is a Mike Lee fan or not, records the event. At the event, Mike tells an inspirational story about the founding fathers. Joe public has the video, uploads it to YouTube and sends it out to his friends and family (people who won't normally attend political functions), who get to see an inspiring story, and decide that they, too are Mike Lee supporters.

It's 2010. You can find good cameras and tripods for relatively cheap these days. Even setting up the camera in the back of the room and leaving it to record is easier than trying to police whether people are recording you for evil (or good) purposes.

As it stands, 156 have seen the video that Mike Lee doesn't want to be filmed. And they have probably started telling their friends on Twitter and Facebook. And I'm sure that not everyone who hears about it will watch the video. They will just know that Mike Lee doesn't want to be filmed.

Brad Daw Facing Pressure on HB150

Tribune:

Rep. Brad Daw is defending his sponsorship of a new law that expands the Attorney General's office ability to demand information on internet and cell phone customers without getting a warrant.
Daw's Republican opponent, Calvin Harper, says delegates in Orem House District 60 need to know about Daw's support of the bill, which Harper says is unconstitutional and ripe for abuse.
"This is America, still," he said. "Do we really want people, no matter who they are, going and checking up on us, getting information from our cell phone providers, our internet providers? ... I'm all about letting the police do their job, but let's play fair. Let's not spy on people, because this is so subject to abuse down the road."
Pete Ashdown, president of the internet service provider XMission and a vocal critic of Daw's HB150, sent a letter to delegates in Daw's district blasting the legislation as an invasion of privacy that violates the Fourth Amendment protection against illegal searches.
"I wanted the delegates who were planning to re-elect this person fully aware of my point of view on HB150 and why I thought it was unconstitutional," said Ashdown, a Democrat.
On Monday, Daw responded in a letter to delegates that included the endorsement from two top officials with the Attorney General's Internet Crimes Against Children task force and explained why Daw sponsored the legislation.
Daw said his bill balanced the need to enforce the law with an individual's right to privacy.
The new law allows the attorney general's investigators to obtain an administrative subpoena demanding internet providers and cell phone companies turn over customers' addresses, phone numbers, usage information and bank account numbers if law enforcement suspects an individual is using the service in a stalking or child kidnapping case.
Last year, the Legislature gave the attorney general the authority to demand that information in child sexual exploitation cases. Investigators issued about one subpoena a day since gaining the authority.
Daw said without the authority, investigators have to go to a judge or to the U.S. Attorney's office to get a subpoena for the information that "often put abducted children at grave risk," although he did not know of a specific example where that has occurred. He said he was relying on information provided by the attorney general's office.
Daw said he asked Jessica Farnsworth, the section chief for the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, for an endorsement and said her colleague, ICAC chief Ken Wallentine offered his, as well. The ICAC is also planning to give Daw an award for his work on the legislation.
Attorney General Mark Shurtleff said in an e-mail he supports his employees being involved in political campaigns and they can use their official titles, provided it is clear they do not speak for the attorney general or the office.
"My opponent is making it a major issue," Daw said. "As I talk to most people, there's some who have concerns about privacy, but it's a small handful. But that's OK. I'm happy to explain it to whoever and tell them what I did and why I did it."
Delegates in the Orem district could decide the race at the Utah County convention on Saturday or send both to a primary run-off.

Originally, Daw's bill sought to allow law enforcement to issue the warrant-free subpoenas to investigate any "criminal activity," but it was watered down after lawmakers objected to the breadth of the proposal.
The legislation was opposed by groups ranging from the American Civil Liberties Union on the left to the Utah Eagle Forum and The Sutherland Institute on the right.

Why Pete Ashdown isn't running for Matheson's Seat

Last Spring, when Jon Huntsman was nominated to be the Ambassador to China, and Jim Matheson was non-committal with whether or not he would run for Governor in 2010, I made a list of people who could run for Jim's seat. It was basically a list of every Democrat I knew, and some pros and cons to their running.

It's a list that has come in handy as of late.

So, it's interesting to see one of the people on the list talk about why he isn't running against Matheson in 2010:

1. A Democrat who is more to the left than Jim Matheson could probably easily win a primary, maybe even settle this in convention, but in the end would lose the general election. I can think of no other county that exemplifies this more than Carbon County. This was traditionally a Democratic stronghold in Utah, but has gone Republican over the past decade. In 2006, Jim Matheson received 3,658 votes in Carbon County. In spite of canvassing Carbon County extensively and knocking on a few thousand doors, I received 2,255 votes. Conversely, Orrin Hatch rarely visits and received 2,408. I don’t see how deposing Jim Matheson would endear me to 1400+ people who otherwise voted for Senator Hatch.
2. I don’t live in the 2nd Congressional District. There is is nothing legally preventing me from running to represent a district I don’t live in. Thanks to the Utah Legislature, I can cross all three of Utah’s congressional districts on my morning run, because I live in Salt Lake City. Representative Jason Chaffetz was able to oust Chris Cannon on the Republican side without living in the 3rd district. However for a Democrat, this would be fuel on the fire for the GOP challenger living in the district.
3. In spite of Matheson’s votes, he is still warming a seat on the Democratic side of the aisle. 2010 is going to be Republicans trying to capitalize against President Obama’s agenda. Although I haven’t ruled out running in 2010, I don’t want to be contributing to the inevitable losses the Democratic party is going to face. If I was running instead of Matheson, the national GOP would pour resources into the race not because they care about Utah, but because they want their majority back.
4. In 2006, the Deseret News ran a poll on favorability ratings of Utah politicians. Matheson came out #1, higher than then Governor Jon Huntsman. Having him in office is a good thing for other Utah Democrats trying to get elected.
5. The Matheson family remains committed to Democratic causes and candidates here in Utah. I want to receive their help rather than their scorn when I run again.

New Obama Utah HQ Opening -- Ashdown's Party Palace

Back in 2006, Pete Ashdown had his campaign Headquarters in a building called the Party Palace, named for the parties he had there.

Now, the Obama people will be doing some serious work there.

Join them this Saturday from 2-5 PM as they throw open the doors of their new Utah HQ!

Utah for Obama Salt Lake City office opening
780 E. South Temple St.
Salt Lake City, UT 84102
Saturday, August 23rd
2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

RSVP here.

-Bob

Ashdown Edorses Obama

Pete Ashdown just announced that he is endorsing Barack Obama for President.

-Bob

HB 139 bad for residents, business

One of my favorite companies around is XMission. And it has nothing to do with the fact that the founder of XMission is US Senate candidate Pete Ashdown.

I have never been a paying customer of XMission. However, I have used their free wireless internet numerous times at the Salt Lake City Library, Gallavan Plaza, and other locations where I have attended political events. XMission provides this access in public places free of charge to taxpayers.

And the thanks they get?

House Bill 139, sponsored by Rep. Bradley M. Daw. (R-Orem)

What does HB139 do?

*makes it a violation of Title 13, Chapter 11, Utah Consumer Sales Practices Act, to sell a device capable of wirelessly accessing the Internet without labeling the device to reflect that fact;
*defines terms;
*requires a person maintaining a public wireless network to attempt to restrict access to a minor;
*provides for a civil penalty against a person who does not restrict access to a puublic wireless network if a minor accesses material harmful to minors through that network; and
*provides for enforcement by the Division of Consumer Protection.

If bolded the most glaring part of the bill. It will require the use of either checking a picture ID or a credit card. However, kids can easily get their hands on a Visa gift card that works like a "real" credit card just by waling into a WalMart or Albertsons and buying one.

This is an example of the government getting involved where parents should be involved. If you really think that your child would use a public WiFi point to access porn, than you really need to concentrate on your parenting. Not to mention buying your kid a PSP, iPod Touch or laptop may not be the best idea.

I encourage all of you to email not only your representative, but also the entire House Public Utilities and Technology Committee, where HB 139 currently sits.


Rep. Michael E. Noel, Chair mnoel@kanab.net
Rep. Aaron Tilton, Vice Chair atilton@utah.gov
Rep. Jim Bird jbird@utah.gov
Rep. Melvin R. Brown melbrown@utah.gov
Rep. Rebecca Chavez-Houck rchouck@utah.gov
Rep. Janice M. Fisher jfisher@utah.gov
Rep. Lynn N. Hemingway lhemingway@utah.gov
Rep. Fred R Hunsaker fhunsaker@utah.gov
Rep. Steven R. Mascaro steven_mascaro@comcast.net
Rep. Kay L. McIff kaymciff@utah.gov
Rep. Bradley A. Winn bwinn@utah.gov

I'll be watching this bill and keeping you up to date on it.

-Bob

Happy Birthday Pete Ashdown!

Today's Pete Ashdown's birthday.

He turns the big 4-0.

His website now contains links to his blog and wiki, plus his campaign archive, with a picture of what has to be the best moment of the campaign.

Last Monday night in Salt Lake City was the biggest fireworks show of the year. With the help of able friends and volunteers, we distributed 850 ice-cream “Creamies” along with thousands of stickers, postcards, and yard signs. As the fireworks started, I walked down 7th East next to Liberty Park carrying a yard sign and a megaphone. As people shouted out to me, I shouted back to them and told them I needed their help in November.

Politics is not about raising money, buying ads, and hiring focus groups. Politics is about reaching the people with honesty and integrity. After the fireworks show ended, I climbed up onto a traffic light box and shouted, “My name is Pete Ashdown and I need your vote!” through the megaphone. Five minutes later, the police busted up the crowd because we were blocking a major intersection. For a brief moment, I saw Americans who weren’t cynical or apathetic, but incredibly happy to see a politician asking for their vote in person rather than over the television.

We need that more in our elections.

Here's to many more years and campaigns from Pete Ashdown.

-Bob

Doante to Pete Ashdown

The end of the quarter is quickly upon us. That means it's time to donate to Pete Ashdown's Campaign.

You can donate here or here.

I'll be hitting you up lots more between now and Friday, but donate today!

-Bob

Ashdown on BBC because of a blogger

OK, this is like the coolest thing I have seen thus far in the Pete Ashdown campaign.

Steve of Obiter Dicta by Steve decides that Ashdown's wiki would be a good idea for a feature on the BBC's World Have Your Say program. So, he send them an email.

The result? Pete is on the show this morning at 11:00.

So, what other programs/events can we email and have Pete speak at?

-Bob

Ashdown in St George: I don't want to buy the election

I wonder what some of Orrin Hatch's other elections would have been like if we had had the internet and blogs back then.

Steve over at Obiter Dicta by Steve has a great post about Pete Ashdown's recent trip to St George. Just a sampling, from the last event of a very long day of events:

While at the Toastmasters meeting, he said something that reveals what makes him such a great individual and candidate. When he was talking about how the Democrats have pushed him to fund his campaign with his business earnings from XMission, he replied by saying, "I don’t feel good about buying this race...I wanted to be a candidate that I would feel comfortable voting for as a constituent [who wants a representative that listens to more than just money]."

And why should he? He's already given up lot of time and effort, and his family has sacrificed on his behalf as well.

So, get out there and donate some cash his way.

Don't confuse FMA with Marriage

The Republicans are doing a good job of making the Federal Marriage Amendment synonamous with marriage. In other words, if you're against the FMA, you're against marriage.

The the comments section of Pete Ashdown's blog, "Mike" tries to do it.

The best reply ever on the subject came from an expert on Pete Ashdown's views on the subject, probably even more an expert than Pete himself.

It was his wife, Robin.

It is important not to confuse the “Marriage Amendment” with marriage. Mike is correct in stating that marriage is very important to our society. Strong marriages and families make for a strong country. I am very thankful for familial support and also for the support and strength my marriage gives me and our 3 children.

I think all of us agree that strong families benefit every aspect of society. Where we disagree is on HOW to strengthen the family unit. Families who have economic stability, whose children are adaquately educated, whose health care needs are met, who are free to worship as they see fit, and who have hope for the future are vastly better off than those who do not have such opportunities. The “Marriage Amendment” does nothing to strengthen families in a real way, instead it was created as a smoke screen to divert good people who believe in strong families from focusing on how we, as a society, can truly support the family unit. Meanwhile corporate chronies of legislators continue to enrich themselves while the rest of us are distracted in a fight over gay marriage.

“Limited, small government” to me means that the government stays out of my personal life, allowing me my free agency. Instead of Congress wasting time and resources debating what a marriage certificate should look like, I would like them to work on strengthning the country in real ways, promoting health, economic stability, and protection to our families.

I am lucky, my husband’s company has been successful and has given our little family the financial resources to buy a house, put food on the table each day, and pay for our health care (including dental). Some of my brothers, sisters, friends, and neighbors have not been so lucky. In fact,our neighborhood school, two blocks from our house, has one of the highest homeless rates in the state. The “Marriage Amendment” would do nothing to move these children and their families out of poverty and on the road to stability. My husband, Pete Ashdown, is pro-family and when people realize that he puts the interests and well-being of families before that of mega-corporations, they will elect him as Utah’s next Senator. That’s when they will have true protection for their families.

By the way, the vote to condinue discussion on the amendment failed, 48-49.

-Bob

Sen Reid, Ashdown on Marriage

Mawage.....mawage is da weeson we our gatered hero today......

First, Utah's future Senator:

After vigorous debate and much public outcry, the United States Senate has finally found a solution to the hot topic of illegal immigration. Ban gay marriage and flag burning.

Maybe its my genetic memory calling, but governmental involvement in marriage doesn’t rest easy with me. Imagine by some miracle this grandstanding on gay marriage actually takes hold and it becomes the 28th amendment to the constitution. Then what will stop government from going further in defining marriage? Say for example, that in order to stop all marriages of convenience, or marriages for citizenship, the government must now be allowed to verify the ceremony with a representative. In Utah, where LDS marriages are performed in temples where only active members are permitted, this legislation would go over like a lead balloon.

And now, Utah's most effective Senator, Harry Reid of Nevada, from the floor of the Senate:

I believe marriage should be between a man and a woman. I believe in our federal system of government, described to me in college as a central whole divided among self governing parts. Those self governing parts -- the 50 states -- have already decided this on their own in state after state. For example, in Nevada the constitution was amended to prevent same sex marriage. Congress and President Clinton passed a law that gave the states the guarantee that their individual laws regarding marriage would be respected. The Defense of Marriage Act creates an exception to the Full Faith and Credit Clause of the Constitution so that no state can force its laws of marriage on another.

So why are we being directed by the President and this Republican majority to debate an Amendment to the Constitution, a document inspired more than two centuries ago? Why would we be asked to change this American masterpiece?

Will it next be to constitutionally dictate the cause of divorce, or military service, or even what America's religion must be?

So for me it is clear the reason for this debate is to divide our society, to pit one against another. This is another one of the President's efforts to frighten, to distort, to distract, and to confuse America. It is this Administration's way of avoiding the tough, real problems that American citizens are confronted with each and every day:

High Gas Prices.

The War in Iraq.

The National Debt.

Health Care.

Senior Citizens.

Education.

Crime.

Trade Policy.

Stem Cell Research.

Each issue begging the President's attention, each issue being ignored -- valuable time in the Senate spent on an issue that today is without hope of passing.

These issues are not Democratic issues. These issues are not Republican issues. There must be bipartisan efforts to address America's ills.

I will vote no on the Motion to Proceed, as it is not a measure meant to bring America together. Rather, it is an effort to cover and conceal the issues necessary to make America more competitive, caring, considerate and stronger.

Together, America Can Do Better.

Nominate Ashdown for DFA-List

I saw that someone posted this suggestion on Pete's Wiki and thought I'd pass it along.

Chadlupkes suggested we try for a Democracy for America Endorsement. We'll do our part, but feel free to recommend us to them; they listen to their members. Click here to recommend Pete.

Pete Ashdown at the Utah Democratic Convention

There is a new post on Pete Ashdown's blog with information from the state convention.

The best part is that he has posted an mp3 of his convention speech.

It's a must listen. I'm hoping to transcript it when I have some time. Right now, I'm working on a stand-up routine for a talent show tomorrow night.

-Bob

NUTCAKE

Last Saturday at the state convention, we were handing out "NUTCAKE" bumper stickers at the Pete Ashdown booth.

Many people asked us what they meant. She short answer goes back to last year, when President Bush showed up in Utah for an hour, and Sen Orrin came for a campaign photo-op.

When asked about the people at the protest in Pioneer Park, Orrin said that you'll find nutcakes wherever you go.

However, just being called a nutcake isn't enough. It's a term that must have meaning.

So, over the past several day, I have been coming up with an answer.

"A Nutcake is someone who is willing to openly share his/her opinion with the general public, especially if said opinion goes against the opinion shared by the general public."

Ashdown Blogswarm getting National Attention

The Beltway Blogroll has posted an item on the Pete Ashdown blogswarm we had several weeks ago.

The positive blog swarm made perfect sense in Utah, which is aptly named the Beehive State. But I imagine such efforts will become commonplace as the campaign season gains steam and bloggers try to steer voters toward their favored candidates.

However, will they have near the coordination that we had?

And, at least in Utah, I don't think there is a candidate other that Pete that has the blogger community's support. At least none that strong.

-Bob

State Convention

I've tried writing this post for 3 days now. I just haven't felt up to writing. I still don't but there is alot to say today, and who knows when the opportunity comes again.

What a great state convention. There was lots of excitement about being a Democrat.

Pete Ashdown really got the crowd fired up. I haven't heard how many volunteers we signed up, nor how many donations we got, but it was quite a bit. There are 200+ fewer signs in the campaign's possesion now.

According to the Tribune's newest blog, Out of Context, here's what Utah's Senior Moment Senator from Pittsburgh had to say at the Republican convention:

"I will fight with everything I've got to keep Republicans in charge [and keep government] out of the hands of the liberal-dominated, radical feminist, Bill and Hillary Clinton-controlled, radical Democrat Party."

Mr Senator, If you had fought with everything you've got for 30 years for Utah, maybe you'd need to fight a little less for your job now.

-Bob

NSA, your phones, and you privacy

So, an article in yesterday's USA Today says that the governemnt has records of every phone call made and recieved by customers of most large phone companies.

Why Should I care? I'm not a terrorist. I haven't done anything wrong. Let 'em see who I call.

Well, that logic is flawed for two reasons.

1) Let's just say that a person named John Johnson in Iowa is discovered to be a terrorist. Shaun has purchased several things from John on eBay, and therefore they have made several phone calls back and forth. Therefore, they start looking into the data they have on Shaun. They notice that he was recently in Seattle for unspecified reasons, coming home on a flight, but how he got there is a mystery. All sorts of red flags there. So, they look at Shaun's phone records. They see that there are several calls back and forth between Shaun and I, including a dramatic boost around the time of his trip. So, I become a suspect. They discover, in a quick google search, that I have a blog that is critical of President Bush and Orrin Hatch. I must hate America. Next thing you know, Shaun and I leave town unexpectedly, on a nice little trip to Cuba, courtesy of the U.S. Government. I'll send a postcard from Camp Gitmo.

2) Um, it's kinda against the constitution.

-Bob

P.S.: One of the great things about candidates having a blog is that it allows the candidate to comment on current stories. Check out Pete Ashdown's response, as well as Orrin Hatch's response. Oh, wait, you thought the "World's Worst Blog" would actually have something useful?

Good-looking Pete

I've heard alot of talk about Mitt Romney's chances of winning the Presidency being high because of his "presidential" hair. Appearantly, some people vote based on looks.

According to one blogger, that's why Pete Ashdown has her vote. It's all about the looks.

Of course, against Orrin, I'm a hottie.

-Bob

Pete Ashdown

A few months ago, I got an email from the Pete Ashdown campaign, asking for people to write endorsements. I typed one on my laptop while teaching one day, and I've refined it over time, but it's never gotten posted.

Until now. Here it is, of all it's glory. Put first, I want to make a plug for Bloggers for Pete Ashdown. Visit this page and donate to Pete's Campaign. In fact, lets, as a group, try and raise $756 by the end of this week on the page. that's $4 for every day left before election day. It seems like a resonable goal. That's above the $137.57 I've already raised. OK, now on to the endorsement.

I am pleased to endorse Pete Ashdown in his race for United States Senate for several reasons. Pete believes that having an honorable and just government starts with electing honorable and just men. He believes that a government that is for, of, and by the people should be open to and honest with those same people who elected them. Government should be a tool of the people, not the people being a tool of the government.

As a native of Utah, Pete knows that we are home to a wide variety of resources and beauty, and that we must be wise stewards of these resources. As a successful businessman, he knows the struggles of small business. As a father, he wants to leave this country in a better place for his children.

As a professional in the field of technology, he knows how to make us honestly secure in the 21st Century.

-Bob Aagard
Holladay, UT

Other blogs of note on the topic:

Dee's 'Dotes may not support Pete, but supports the blogswarm
Gary Tornock says "The barriers to public participation are coming down."
Jen's Green Journal doesn't officially endorse Pete, but does remind us that "Pete, of course, has a great reputation in Salt Lake as a generous and ethical businessman."
Jeremy's Jeremaid says "Orrin Hatch is a Grade A wiener who doesn’t belong in a Senate seat representing Utah."
Leap Into the Void has an interesting thought: "One wonders who would have been our current president if one quarter of those who despise Bush sent twenty bucks to an opposition candidate's campaign."
furiousBlog who is a Mormon from outside Utah who says Orrin Hatch has gone "stark-raving mad. And I don't mean a little mentally divergent; I mean frothing-at-the-mouth, rocking-back-and-forth-on-the-floor-muttering insane."
The Utah Amicus says "Please, lets not let another election season go by and realize tto late that we had an opportunity for change, but missed it due to apathy."
SLCSpin says "This year is a rare moment when the right person and the right opportunity intersect in such an important way."
Bloglet says, in a very funny post, "I'm not just advocating Petey because he's not Orrin Hatch. Pete has issues!"
Forma Line declares "I'm with Pete"
Foxy Starbuck: "We need new blood in the Senate seat. Someone that is looking out for us and not blinded by their set ways."
Innisfree (from NYC!) encourages people to add Pete as a friend on MySpace.
Jeremy's Jeremiad (again): "Ashdown wants to represent Utahns because he is one…he is a successful business man who built his dream in Utah in service to Utahns."
One Utah: "We don’t have the luxury of another six years of Orrin Hatch, and we DO have the opportunity to elect and earnest, honest, and bright young man named Pete Ashdown."
Signifying nothing: "I prefer a governemnt of interested citizens than a government of political hacks"
The Third Avenue: "I hope and dream that he [Ashdown] will replace my current hack senator, Orrin Hatch."
Utah Democrats: "Pete will not do, is incapable of doing, rubber stamp politics. He will always do what he believes is the most responsible, most beneficial thing for the people of Utah and the United States of America."